Practice Review: Supporting a Veteran in Crisis – Managing Suicidal Ideation in General Practice

This case-based activity addresses the critical challenge of supporting veterans in crisis. Focused on 27-year-old Jai, a veteran recently medically discharged due to a shoulder injury, the activity explores how to manage suicidal ideation within the general practice setting. Health professionals will learn to assess suicide risk, ask targeted questions, and identify key supports available for veterans in mental health crisis.

Jai's case highlights common post-discharge mental health concerns, including depression and potential PTSD. The activity guides practitioners through assessing suicide risk, utilising resources like Open Arms for crisis support, and exploring long-term strategies for mental health recovery. Understanding the heightened suicide risk for ex-serving males, especially those medically discharged, is a critical aspect of managing veterans in crisis.

Participants will leave with practical knowledge on managing veterans with suicidal thoughts, including how to navigate conversations around suicide, access emergency support, and implement comprehensive follow-up care.

CPD is available with additional resources provided for further learning on military service impacts and veteran care.

Testimonials from course participants:

I believe this is important learning to better understand the step by step management of a Veteran in crisis when they present in our practice.

This course was really helpful in explaining the topic

Was very detailed and relative to the topic, very helpful.

Helped me understand more about veteran's psychological condition post trauma.

This is a Medcast Continuing Medical Education (CME) course.

Funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs through the Veterans Healthcare eLearning Platform Program.

For more free Veterans Health education, check out VETs HeLP Hub on Medcast